A government that operates "under the radar" forfeits its mandate; transparency is not a courtesy of the bureaucracy, but a continuous debt owed to the citizenry.
The commissioners did not reply to an email asking whether there was a protocol for which constituents receive engagement and which get ignored. Here is today's email:
Dear Commissioners,
Residents are increasingly learning about serious public safety incidents through social media instead of local media or official channels. What systems does the county have in place to ensure the public receives timely, transparent information about issues affecting safety and quality of life?
Note: This is a modeled response drafted by an AI to demonstrate how a local official might address these specific issues using their defined legal and budgetary authority in Clallam County.
Memorandum
To: Concerned Resident
From: The Office of Commissioner [Name]
Date: March 4, 2026
Subject: Restoring Transparency and Accountability in County Governance
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for your inquiry. You are highlighting a gap between "official channels" and the reality our residents see every day. As an individual Commissioner, my job is to ensure that the departments we fund are transparent and that the policies we oversee are effective.
Based on the specific incidents you’ve raised—from the public safety concerns in Carlsborg to the "under the radar" comments made at the Board of Health—here is how I am answering your call for better systems.
1. Ending "Under the Radar" Policy (Board of Health Oversight)
It was recently acknowledged in a Board of Health session that certain harm reduction efforts were intentionally kept quiet to avoid public friction. This is a failure of governance.
The Reality: Under RCW 42.30 (Open Public Meetings Act), the public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being used and how programs impact their neighborhoods.
The Action: I am moving to require that the Health and Human Services (HHS) department provide a monthly "Impact Report" to the Board. This report must include data on needle recovery, the specific locations of county-funded services, and the public safety impacts on adjacent businesses and residents. We will not use Public Information Officers to "manage" the news; we will use the Board of Health to debate the facts in public.
2. Fixing the Administrative Vacuum (Septic & IT Oversight)
The recent "Septic Sandra" debacle—where residents were sent enforcement notices based on data the County couldn't access—is a management failure I am addressing directly.
The Reality: Our transition to the Tyler software platform has created a disconnect with the onlineRME database used by private inspectors.
The Action: As this department reports to the Board of Commissioners, I have requested that the County Administrator pause enforcement mailings until the IT department confirms that our internal records are synchronized with external inspector data. We will not penalize residents for the County's technical integration errors.
3. Improving Public Safety Alerts (Budgetary Influence)
When residents must rely on social media to track a prowler in Carlsborg, our official notification systems (Everbridge/CodeRED) are being underutilized.
The Reality: While the Sheriff is an independently elected official (RCW 36.28), the Board of Commissioners funds PenCom (911 Dispatch).
The Action: I am advocating for a "Quality of Life" alert protocol. Our systems should not be reserved only for "The Big One" (tsunamis or earthquakes). If there is a verified, active threat in a neighborhood, our dispatch center should have the authority to push a "Community Awareness" text alert to that specific zip code immediately.
Regarding the reports of duplicate ballots in the Clallam Conservation District (CCD) election:
The Reality: Per RCW 89.08.190, these elections are managed by the District and the State Conservation Commission, not the County Auditor. However, the integrity of our local vote is paramount.
The Action: I am requesting a briefing with the CCD Board to ensure they are strictly following WAC 135-110-550, which requires a Poll List to prevent double-voting. If a resident receives two ballots (one at home, one at a PO Box), the system must be verified to reject the second submission automatically.
My Commitment to You
Transparency is not a "service" we provide when it’s convenient; it is a legal and moral requirement of this office. I value the work of local watchdogs and residents who bring these gaps to our attention. My goal is to ensure that the "truth" is found in our public records and official briefings, not just in the comment sections of social media.
Gregson is managing the status quo until another entity can be talked into taking over OMC. There’s no way for OMC to dig its way out of its fiscal hole; the neverending practice of hiring friends and family to work at OMC continues because no one else wants to work here. Neurology is history and cardiology will soon follow. I feel sorry for anyone who has a PCP at OMC — the constant parade of short-term docs who don’t know you at all is too much to bear.
Another impact is they are not here long enough (and are relatively living a better lifestyle when they are here due to income level) to see the "social determinants of health" from Berry and the BOCC 's strict adherence to their political agenda impacting average residents via the type of chaos described in this article. It was refreshing after feeling like local providers downplay the health impacts of the drug crisis to average residents in PA, to having my specialty providers in Portland address the impacts of living in such constant stress.
Dr. Chong. A good doctor and OMC did everything they could to make sure he left. Dr K from Cardiology left OMC and is opening a practice in Sequim, taking some clinical staff with him.
The guy terrorizing Carlsborg was booked Monday and released Tuesday. Two court ordered release one charges not filed. Saturday morning he was at the transit center and farmers market in PA trying to start trouble, blanket wrapped around head standing in the bus lane and that scab on his face oozing.
Look at the individuals in the photos and think about that next time Berry and her minions are lecturing about how harm reduction recognizes the individuals human dignity.
Go where to do what? Again, we all know what's wrong with CC if we read this blog. What we do NOT know is what Jake's policies will be to make CC BETTER. Jake seems a nice guy with a CPA bent. Prove me wrong and let's see specific policy! Balancing one report to another is not substantial change of any sort.
I guess to put it in my era, Charlie McCarthy (French) is the impudent little dummy who sat upon the lap of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen (NGO's) who is doing the talking? Entertainment at it's best.
All the Democrats in power went from Kennedy even Clinton Democrats to globalist United Nations Democrats.
By design and contract they screw over their communities in favor of the tribes and the global markets. I am surprised they did not see that longevity of local government is at stake. They are stuck in a rut and can't rally out of it.
Billy is right on his point. Solutions are needed and I have no shortage of them. However. I can't live in all three districts and I feel like I am encroaching upon mine in Sequim when I really should be flying PA colors.
one county commissioner will be pushing a rock up a mountain... we need to elect Two or THREE new commissioners to have an effect. Then their only employee is the county manager... they cannot meddle in day-to-day affairs or county employees. Don't ask for more than you can get.
I'd just like to know that he isn't like them, and he will listen to the people. That's the most we can hope for.
In the real world, your assessment is dead-on, Mimi. Does the name Bill Peach ring a bell for anyone, or his being charged with DUI, during the waning days prior to an election? Political sabotage is alive and well in Clallam County, along with the bully mentality to silence opposition. "Your three minutes are up!" If a faction doesn't like the established rules and laws, quietly engage one's Legislators, off the record, behind closed doors, and out of earshot of one's constituents. "We have to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it." "Make it so, No. 1"
Mimi, I agree and disagree. When we get Jake Seegers on, he can become effective immediately. He won't quietly bow down. He will voice his opinion and give reasons why before and after a BOCC vote. He is powerful even though he carries only one vote out of three. I truly believe he is the voice of the people and so do many other citizens. I don't hope, I do believe.
Not just encapments bad, specify in CC code terms item by item the 'laws' to be enforced, the laws to be created. Thomas Paine said give me liberty or give me death. Pretty succint. The end game not nearly the same so get serious. Be specific.
"Clallam County’s strategies to end homelessness are not working. We need to enforce existing ordinances, eliminate unsafe encampments, and create realistic options like designated campgrounds and small, affordable housing units. By focusing on helping our local residents first, we can protect public spaces while restoring hope and accountability."
Feels good... But now let's see item by item the code enforcement and new code to be enacted.
I thought Ozias was a nice guy when I first met him on site. Talked a good game and then turned out to be a greedy empty suit. I expect specifics now.
It appears that public camping is already against the law. Commissioners don't enforce the laws (LE), they don't prosecute violations (PA), or hold court (judges). What more can he do wrt to codes?
BTW, when you meet Jake and hold a conversation with him I'd like to know if there's any difference between him and when you first met Ozias.
An excellent solution to such a problem would be to quit using this source. Some may assume you are not able to function in the modern electric age. Try not to reinforce that assumption. Did I mention that used needles on public grounds does not turn them into wanted personal property.Just to be clear, you are the only person with such an interesting view on illegal drug paraphernalia.
After this "under the radar" expose, and with previous other egregiously wrong statements and executive decisions, no one should ever believe anything she says. Since no one in authority has the guts to fire her, we need to shun her. No respect given, no acknowlegments in public services , no invitations to speak at any forum or boards.
Evrita, that was tried BY improving data on county contracts with the HOMELESS PROGRAM in 2019. It failed.
OFTEN INVOLVING THE HOMELESS TASK FORCE INFORMATION SYSTEM, SUPPOSEDLY CONTRACT DATA TRACKING WAS IMPROVED IN 2019 FROM AN ANNUAL REPORT TO A SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT WHICH WOULD INCLUDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST AN ORGANIZATION RUNNING OUT OF MONEY AND THEN COMING BACK TO THE COUNTY TO ASK FOR MORE.
WHAT HAS IMPROVED SINCE 2019? ZILCH, NOTHING, NADA!
WE HAVE A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FILLED WITH YEARS OF FAILURES
February 28, 2019 CLALLAM COUNTY ALLOCATES OVER 1 MILLION TO HOMELESS PROGRAM
"Typically the funding cycle has been yearly, but during the latest round of funding officials decided to extend the cycle to 30 months. The recommendations were made by the Homelessness Task Force"
“The semi-annual report requested is a narrative with more detail and often involved either the Homeless Management Information System limited data set or a more involved picture of who was served,” he said in an email. “This more-involved narrative was previously done at the end of the contract but we are now asking for it MORE OFTEN TO FOLLOW THE DATA BETTER since these contracts extend through June 30, 2021.” During a work session Monday, while discussing different contracts, Commissioner Bill Peach expressed concern about how the county’s contracts SAFEGUARD AGAINST AN ORGANIZATION RUNNING OUT OF MONEY AND THEN COMING BACK TO THE COUNTY TO ASK FOR MORE."
“What do we have in our contract that says to an organization that’s receiving these funds that these funds are specific to this purpose and if you decide to use your funds and you run out of money, our agreement is over,” Peach said Monday. “You don’t get to come in and say ‘I ran out of money, give me some more or I’m going to shut down.’ ”
If your organization is worthless why continue funding? If you want some of my money (taxes) prove to me you are spending wisely. How many years have we taxpayers been giving money for fancy words, but no real facts?
Last night I couldnt sleep. I had to many unanswered questions about all the different statistics. So i wrote my conundrums down. It's far too much to share in a comment, but here is my link. The topic is addiction statistics and authority bias.
You make some excellent points. I hope you will share this with the BOCC. 100% agree regarding reasonable syringe service and narcan availabilty. It's a false idea Berry spins that anyone who questions local HRHC activity is against any and all harm reduction and doesn't care if addicts die.
I think we all would like better returns. Saving life is not a one way street. Each addict, at least the few I know that were able to beat their addiction, said it was hard, very hard, to give up addiction. Such commitment requires help. I recommend groups like AA or NA where people can relate, and assist. Help means having a goal of freedom from dependency.
There in lies the problem. If being high is easier than clean and sober, not too hard of a choice. Hitting bottom has to feel like hitting bottom, not being rescued. The county is a drug addict coddler. You can tell by all the energy and funds spent on people that don’t give a damn about themselves. Where do”we” draw the line? For every Chelsea how many others are there?
Isn’t everyone so sick of the wasted resources on the wasted? First hand family experience and I’m resentful. Drug addicts use and abuse their loved ones with lies and promises until family can no longer cope. Then they become a city or county problem. Once the public is tasked with “saving” the addict, everyone has given up on the family member that can’t get off drugs. This is why provided housing without sobriety is insanity. This is why Harm Reduction seems like an oxymoron. Because it is. We are part of a loop. Drug supplies, sellers, users, do gooders, money thrown at situations, public takes ownership of problem. And around we go trying all these failed solutions out of guilt? Stop the source. Dry up the drug supply and what would happen? Why are we so impotent against a group that has quit being a member of society.
MK, had to delve into the Public Health and Safety Program Job because my spidey senses went up, especially since it is a part time job for Berry. This funded (Tribal) position was only started in 2021 BECAUSE OF COVID, which fits like a glove for Berry. It has expanded to include priorities such as WATER QUALITY, MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS (hummm) ...putting JKT with water always makes me nervous, add in mental health (clinics?) and I see future gains and profits for JKT. This is part of what I found:
About the Public Health and Safety Program (PHSP)
The PHSP provides in-house TECHNICAL EXPERTISE in public health for IA (Indian Affairs) Formed in early 2021, the PHSP HAD A HEAVY FOCUS ON COVID-19, protecting employees and partners from virus transmission and helping facilities re-open or remain open. BEYOND COVID-19, the PHSP conducted a needs assessment shortly after forming to gauge PRIORITY PUBLIC HEALTH NEEDS FOR IA. In response, the PHSP’s FOCUS AREAS HAVE BROADENED TO INCLUDE PRIORITIES SUCH AS WATER QUALITY, mental health and wellness, and indoor air quality. These focus areas align with the three officer’s areas of expertise: Environmental Health, Public Health and Medicine, and Occupational Health. The PHSP remains flexible to respond to any public health challenges that arise for our employees and partners.
She has the choice to be in total control of something vs having to navigate OPMA and Sunshine laws. Given how she reacts to situations I can see her jumping ship and then expanding her queendom.
Now it makes more sense. She wasn’t prepared or vetted to be a public health official. But why is she still in the position? Many people are not as intellectually gifted as “Watch Doggers” and may be unable to separate health information from following Alice down the rabbit hole. I believe the Author of Alice in Wonderland was a heavy drug user. Must have been some trip! For what that’s worth. Sorry random info.
Kathleen deserves a better response from French. Sarah K. You are one of my peeps one nation would solve so many problems our local and state government seems to cling to as if there's no other option. Hear the voices of the many and let's get Jake elected!
Where's the media? A great question. PDN publishes a ton of what we used to call in the newspaper biz "wire cut," meaning stuff produced out-of-area by the New York Times, Washington State Standard, etc., to fill the white space around the advertisements. It's cheap, requires little manpower, and can be done quickly - and can also be cherrypicked to promote a particular political viewpoint. What could be done cheaply, with little manpower, and quickly instead would be to reproduce the police and sheriff's scanner reports so the community would be informed regularly about what is really happening in the area. Instead of sending a reporter to cover high school sports -- the one thing I really like about PDN, by the way -- to spend just a half-day at the "Un-Safeway" with a camera and notebook would produce quite the story. Or spend a day covering a 4PA workday. The Sequim Gazette could alternate Commissioner Ozias' propaganda column every week with one from someone like Jake Seegers or the Watchdog, to provide balance. Of course, that would require fairness and be real journalism ....
Where's the media? I think they're waiting for the BOCC to hire them a new reporter in the form of a Public Information Officer. Comrade Ozias has advocated for using our tax dollars to support print media in the past.
Donna Marie was my next door neighbor. our community lost an asset. Many more assets are being lost, due to policies that allow for higher and higher costs to live here, while discouraging business and generally lowering the areas economic base. Preferential treatment of tribal entities which lower the tax base and increase the burden on non-tribal property owners. Giving our public facilities, sidewalks for one, to vagrant encampments. Touting existing harm reduction policies as successful in leading addicts into sobriety and using statistics, such as lower numbers of hospital visits for wound care, does not translate to a clean, prospering community. Of course our Conty Commissioners are powerless to correct these things. They cannot fight the laws of the State, or the Cities, or the Tribes. They can only listen and respond to NGO's and Non-Profits whom they fund and rely on for reelection.
I completely agree with Donna Marie, her comment. I too, a retired LEO from CA and also I was injured in the line of duty, was medically retired and worked the rest of my career in the DA's office. I have seen the complete cycle. She is right WA is following , if not surpassed CA in the downward spiral. CA recently wised up from a proposition passed years ago, prop 47 which changed over 100 felonies to misdemeanors, BTW, which was pushed by Kamala. CA has reversed much of that after years and years of decline and the revolving door of justice. We must also keep in mind our judicial system here. Anyone else see the judge here being investigated and why has the PJ not removed him from the bench during this investigation? Why does this judge have such a backlog of DV cases? We really need to hear more from our Sheriff as well. Just a simple message sent out to the public via social media would be welcomed to so many in this county. I hear crickets. I came from a department , the Sheriff who was completely transparent and engaged with the public all the time , I find the crickets here quite alarming. I'll repeat again, it's governments first duty to keep citizens safe and arresting and releasing does not keep us safe. And yes the "harm reduction" program plays right into the individuals we are seeing on the streets. This is no coicidence. Guaranteed we will continue a downward spiral, just like CA, it will get worse.
Cas, in case anyone would like to know about your reference to " Anyone else see the judge here being investigated and why has the PJ not removed him from the bench during this investigation? Why does this judge have such a backlog of DV cases?"
There is a substack that takes one through a rather concerning series about a Clallam County Judge. This author has many articles concerning this judge who has more ties in wrong doing that what you have pointed out.
Berry's photo was taken exactly where the health dept hosts narcotics camp every weekend. The fence behind her is where they tie up their tarps to duck under and smoke drugs, so the secondhand smoke sometimes wafts up to the sidewalk. The sidewalk across the street is usually crowded with aggressive panhandlers on Saturday. Parking lot camp is a great spot for narcotics use and trafficking because they are down out of view of passing drivers(including PAPD) mostly but can see when their dealer pulls up to the curb just beyond the fence
Who are these people that change to software that doesn’t access the current data base. Not knowing the entire situation, but back when people had common sense, you ran a parallel system because you always had bugs in the system.
Start with the premise that we own land. We own land because we took it from someone else, who took it from someone else. Next in the sequence is how to retain what you took. How do you defend your actions, and logic, that you are a better custodian of the land than those from whom you took it?
Around and around it goes. For centuries we humans have fought over land, resources, and power. We are still at war, at least someplace.
The argument doesn’t make a lot of difference. Mostly it is a justification for your actions. Debate is all for show. If I am stronger, better equipped, and willing to fight, I can take your land. Don’t forget the money. Once in control as winner of the fight, I can do what I wish. The only reason to compromise is the combined show of strength by a unity of other communities, alliances, that threaten your actions.
I can’t quote from Sun Tzu, in the Art of War, but his lessons are still valuable.
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise by Sun Tzu, a military strategist and philosopher, written around the 5th century BCE, that offers timeless principles on warfare, strategy, and leadership, emphasizing planning, intelligence, and adaptability.
As we survivors of these wars grow and become even stronger we are supposed to learn from our mistakes, and successes. This applies to all aspects of communal living. If we forget these lessons we cease to exist. There are differences between dominance, and mutual cooperation.
I will take your land, and your resources, and oppose any efforts for you to return. We, in the United States, are fighting again. Pacifists argue against these warring actions, but rarely do the meek inherit the earth. I believe we are fighting for survival, not only for ourselves, but those we consider friends. We defend our actions as a moral battle to assist those less able and, hopefully, live in peace. I continue to believe I am a better custodian of the land.
The United States is defending its survival. We have enemies within and outside our borders. Recognizing those enemies is important. We cannot defend what we cannot see. Better to be prepared for battle than be overtaken by your enemies. When our enemies challenge our viewpoint they argue that we are delusional, imagining ghosts as enemies. Argue the point, but be prepared.
There is no evidence we acquired land from local tribes, by war, force, or treachery. Yes, other places in the U.S., I believe, as the result of unreconcilable cultural differences, it happened. The new way and different relationship to the land were not acceptable to some tribes. Every member of certain tribes may not have deserved what followed, but, I believe, their group earned it.
We non-tribal folks now "own" the majority of the "land". The tribe is now working to get some back. We did not buy it. We did not bargain for it. We just encroached.
That's funny!!! The Tribe didn't even believe they owned the land. Its right there on their Home Page. They adopted the concept in 1874.
"The S’Klallam people living in the Dungeness area decided that in order to survive, they had to adopt a new value system that included property ownership."
In consideration of the above cession the United States agree to pay to the said tribes and bands the sum of sixty thousand dollars, in the following manner,
Where's the media? I'd say based on todays "paper" PDN is busy busy getting fun outdoor space activity photos from Port Townsend. Can't be taking those pics in PA, too run down and overrun, and seems to be with more folks from PT( like the Carslborg incident guy who was in PA Sat morn) , ya' know PT where they share the same health officer but shut down the encampment next to their DSHS office, PT where a certain PA council member is a public defender also openly states we should welcome and house everyone in PA
With just two reporters, they’re running whatever copy comes in the door (press releases from OMC, articles by their former editor, Leah Leach for OMC and the county) and putting their bylines on it. I could see the county hiring a PIO who would be so happy to work hand-in-glove with the PDN.
Port Angeles has a public access tv station. What would it take to load recordings of Hospital, county, city, board if heath and other meetings on it? Couldn’t we also start a local news broadcast? This would be a great project for someone in a local high school or college.
Heck, at this point I would even welcome a Wayne’s world type show about local issues/performances/happenings. I’ve already seen all the slides in the current show the play on a loop.
Good Governance Daily Proverb:
A government that operates "under the radar" forfeits its mandate; transparency is not a courtesy of the bureaucracy, but a continuous debt owed to the citizenry.
This hits the target, Dr. Sarah!
The commissioners did not reply to an email asking whether there was a protocol for which constituents receive engagement and which get ignored. Here is today's email:
Dear Commissioners,
Residents are increasingly learning about serious public safety incidents through social media instead of local media or official channels. What systems does the county have in place to ensure the public receives timely, transparent information about issues affecting safety and quality of life?
All three commissioners can be reached by emailing the Clerk of the Board at loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov
Note: This is a modeled response drafted by an AI to demonstrate how a local official might address these specific issues using their defined legal and budgetary authority in Clallam County.
Memorandum
To: Concerned Resident
From: The Office of Commissioner [Name]
Date: March 4, 2026
Subject: Restoring Transparency and Accountability in County Governance
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for your inquiry. You are highlighting a gap between "official channels" and the reality our residents see every day. As an individual Commissioner, my job is to ensure that the departments we fund are transparent and that the policies we oversee are effective.
Based on the specific incidents you’ve raised—from the public safety concerns in Carlsborg to the "under the radar" comments made at the Board of Health—here is how I am answering your call for better systems.
1. Ending "Under the Radar" Policy (Board of Health Oversight)
It was recently acknowledged in a Board of Health session that certain harm reduction efforts were intentionally kept quiet to avoid public friction. This is a failure of governance.
The Reality: Under RCW 42.30 (Open Public Meetings Act), the public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being used and how programs impact their neighborhoods.
The Action: I am moving to require that the Health and Human Services (HHS) department provide a monthly "Impact Report" to the Board. This report must include data on needle recovery, the specific locations of county-funded services, and the public safety impacts on adjacent businesses and residents. We will not use Public Information Officers to "manage" the news; we will use the Board of Health to debate the facts in public.
2. Fixing the Administrative Vacuum (Septic & IT Oversight)
The recent "Septic Sandra" debacle—where residents were sent enforcement notices based on data the County couldn't access—is a management failure I am addressing directly.
The Reality: Our transition to the Tyler software platform has created a disconnect with the onlineRME database used by private inspectors.
The Action: As this department reports to the Board of Commissioners, I have requested that the County Administrator pause enforcement mailings until the IT department confirms that our internal records are synchronized with external inspector data. We will not penalize residents for the County's technical integration errors.
3. Improving Public Safety Alerts (Budgetary Influence)
When residents must rely on social media to track a prowler in Carlsborg, our official notification systems (Everbridge/CodeRED) are being underutilized.
The Reality: While the Sheriff is an independently elected official (RCW 36.28), the Board of Commissioners funds PenCom (911 Dispatch).
The Action: I am advocating for a "Quality of Life" alert protocol. Our systems should not be reserved only for "The Big One" (tsunamis or earthquakes). If there is a verified, active threat in a neighborhood, our dispatch center should have the authority to push a "Community Awareness" text alert to that specific zip code immediately.
4. Protecting Election Integrity (Advocacy & Peer Review)
Regarding the reports of duplicate ballots in the Clallam Conservation District (CCD) election:
The Reality: Per RCW 89.08.190, these elections are managed by the District and the State Conservation Commission, not the County Auditor. However, the integrity of our local vote is paramount.
The Action: I am requesting a briefing with the CCD Board to ensure they are strictly following WAC 135-110-550, which requires a Poll List to prevent double-voting. If a resident receives two ballots (one at home, one at a PO Box), the system must be verified to reject the second submission automatically.
My Commitment to You
Transparency is not a "service" we provide when it’s convenient; it is a legal and moral requirement of this office. I value the work of local watchdogs and residents who bring these gaps to our attention. My goal is to ensure that the "truth" is found in our public records and official briefings, not just in the comment sections of social media.
Sincerely,
Commissioner
Clallam County Board of Commissioners
Regarding Septic Sandra: "...technical integration errors." Why don't they just use Zapier to integrate? lol
Woulda coulda who dat dat shoulda….
Join us for Coffee with Colleen this Wednesday, March 4th at 8 AM to hear a presentation from Mark Gregson, Interim CEO at Olympic Medical Center.
Topics:
Focus on Excellence
What’s Happening at OMC
Outstanding employees
Quality, Safety and Experience
Financial health
UW Medicine partnership update
Upcoming community opportunities
How can you support local healthcare?
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89474510306?pwd=VlIrRHh5RG1nYVh3V3JXRzFSMmRodz09
Meeting ID: 894 7451 0306
Passcode: 187447
One tap mobile +12532158782,,89474510306#,,,,*187447# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location - 253 215 8782 (Tacoma)
Gregson is managing the status quo until another entity can be talked into taking over OMC. There’s no way for OMC to dig its way out of its fiscal hole; the neverending practice of hiring friends and family to work at OMC continues because no one else wants to work here. Neurology is history and cardiology will soon follow. I feel sorry for anyone who has a PCP at OMC — the constant parade of short-term docs who don’t know you at all is too much to bear.
Here is the link to the videos where the presentations, questions, and answers are posted: https://www.youtube.com/@ClallamEDC
Another impact is they are not here long enough (and are relatively living a better lifestyle when they are here due to income level) to see the "social determinants of health" from Berry and the BOCC 's strict adherence to their political agenda impacting average residents via the type of chaos described in this article. It was refreshing after feeling like local providers downplay the health impacts of the drug crisis to average residents in PA, to having my specialty providers in Portland address the impacts of living in such constant stress.
My pulmonologist left OMC and went to Port Townsend and I followed him. It’s out of network, but I don’t care.
Dr. Chong. A good doctor and OMC did everything they could to make sure he left. Dr K from Cardiology left OMC and is opening a practice in Sequim, taking some clinical staff with him.
I was so happy when I found my Dr. Chong He saved my life a few years back, and I will trust no one else.
Here’s the video recording link: https://youtu.be/zMoqu4qCe9M?si=jx_HnQf71QldnQIf
Tell Garnett, I wish I would’ve known about this earlier. I would have been there.
The guy terrorizing Carlsborg was booked Monday and released Tuesday. Two court ordered release one charges not filed. Saturday morning he was at the transit center and farmers market in PA trying to start trouble, blanket wrapped around head standing in the bus lane and that scab on his face oozing.
Look at the individuals in the photos and think about that next time Berry and her minions are lecturing about how harm reduction recognizes the individuals human dignity.
human dignity... humanity.
where is it??
a human shell with no sobriety and lack of soul.... sad.
in-humane hellish-bondage.
our city & commissioners.
our health director.
our silent community.
*they sit and scoff, laugh and toil.
berry. ozias. french. johnson. meilke. countless others.
I nominate you as the poet laureate of truth for Clallam county.
that is a lovely title 😊
A starving dog with fleas gets better treatment here in Clallam county. Yeah, let's start an 'ADOPT A HOMELESS DRUG USER PROGRAM.' Sick.
The tribes have taken over on a state ,county and city level. It even on paper.
Go Jake.
Yes, go Jake go!!!
Go where to do what? Again, we all know what's wrong with CC if we read this blog. What we do NOT know is what Jake's policies will be to make CC BETTER. Jake seems a nice guy with a CPA bent. Prove me wrong and let's see specific policy! Balancing one report to another is not substantial change of any sort.
You could say the same about French. He is a doctrine follower and can't talk specific's because the NGO's do his talking.
ngo's have their hand so far up his ass that he has very good posture.
I think we know exactly where he does NOT stand. Not the same.
I guess to put it in my era, Charlie McCarthy (French) is the impudent little dummy who sat upon the lap of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen (NGO's) who is doing the talking? Entertainment at it's best.
All the Democrats in power went from Kennedy even Clinton Democrats to globalist United Nations Democrats.
By design and contract they screw over their communities in favor of the tribes and the global markets. I am surprised they did not see that longevity of local government is at stake. They are stuck in a rut and can't rally out of it.
Billy is right on his point. Solutions are needed and I have no shortage of them. However. I can't live in all three districts and I feel like I am encroaching upon mine in Sequim when I really should be flying PA colors.
What have you found on his website that doesn't address your questions?
https://www.jakeseegers.com/priorities
What about rolling BACK taxes? Affordability has been severely harmed by TAXES! Where's the tax issue in that Seeger CPA persona?
one county commissioner will be pushing a rock up a mountain... we need to elect Two or THREE new commissioners to have an effect. Then their only employee is the county manager... they cannot meddle in day-to-day affairs or county employees. Don't ask for more than you can get.
I'd just like to know that he isn't like them, and he will listen to the people. That's the most we can hope for.
In the real world, your assessment is dead-on, Mimi. Does the name Bill Peach ring a bell for anyone, or his being charged with DUI, during the waning days prior to an election? Political sabotage is alive and well in Clallam County, along with the bully mentality to silence opposition. "Your three minutes are up!" If a faction doesn't like the established rules and laws, quietly engage one's Legislators, off the record, behind closed doors, and out of earshot of one's constituents. "We have to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it." "Make it so, No. 1"
Mimi, I agree and disagree. When we get Jake Seegers on, he can become effective immediately. He won't quietly bow down. He will voice his opinion and give reasons why before and after a BOCC vote. He is powerful even though he carries only one vote out of three. I truly believe he is the voice of the people and so do many other citizens. I don't hope, I do believe.
First I've seen this. New page? Getting close to saying "here's the policy". State exactly the policy to be proposed.
I think that's been up for a while.
What policies are you looking for? He likes to hear from anyone with an idea/position.
Not just encapments bad, specify in CC code terms item by item the 'laws' to be enforced, the laws to be created. Thomas Paine said give me liberty or give me death. Pretty succint. The end game not nearly the same so get serious. Be specific.
"Clallam County’s strategies to end homelessness are not working. We need to enforce existing ordinances, eliminate unsafe encampments, and create realistic options like designated campgrounds and small, affordable housing units. By focusing on helping our local residents first, we can protect public spaces while restoring hope and accountability."
Feels good... But now let's see item by item the code enforcement and new code to be enacted.
I thought Ozias was a nice guy when I first met him on site. Talked a good game and then turned out to be a greedy empty suit. I expect specifics now.
It appears that public camping is already against the law. Commissioners don't enforce the laws (LE), they don't prosecute violations (PA), or hold court (judges). What more can he do wrt to codes?
BTW, when you meet Jake and hold a conversation with him I'd like to know if there's any difference between him and when you first met Ozias.
https://clallam.county.codes/CCC/23.03.040#:~:text=(5)%20No%20person%20shall%20take,Mary%20Lukes%20Wheeler%20County%20Park;
Dr. Barry is an airhead! I swear to all that’s holy if I heard her say ummm one more time my head was gonna explode.
She has the audacity to claim that most homeless people that are on the streets and an encampment are not on drugs what other horse pucky.
Moving forward, we need to demand true tracking and showing us the numbers, the true numbers!
She experiences breaks in her speech due to Bluetooth problems. She’s merely waiting for the next words to come through from her masters.
An excellent solution to such a problem would be to quit using this source. Some may assume you are not able to function in the modern electric age. Try not to reinforce that assumption. Did I mention that used needles on public grounds does not turn them into wanted personal property.Just to be clear, you are the only person with such an interesting view on illegal drug paraphernalia.
Thanks.
Well, at least you got one like for your witty retort.
After this "under the radar" expose, and with previous other egregiously wrong statements and executive decisions, no one should ever believe anything she says. Since no one in authority has the guts to fire her, we need to shun her. No respect given, no acknowlegments in public services , no invitations to speak at any forum or boards.
Its all a PR problem !!! Once the new PR firm and PIO are hired all will be FINE.
GOEBBELS and GOEBBELS since 1933
If you repeat a lie often enough people will believe it. You will even believe it yourself.
The Politician's Creed; "Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it." - Joeseph Goebbels
Never let a crisis go to waste!
Evrita, that was tried BY improving data on county contracts with the HOMELESS PROGRAM in 2019. It failed.
OFTEN INVOLVING THE HOMELESS TASK FORCE INFORMATION SYSTEM, SUPPOSEDLY CONTRACT DATA TRACKING WAS IMPROVED IN 2019 FROM AN ANNUAL REPORT TO A SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT WHICH WOULD INCLUDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST AN ORGANIZATION RUNNING OUT OF MONEY AND THEN COMING BACK TO THE COUNTY TO ASK FOR MORE.
WHAT HAS IMPROVED SINCE 2019? ZILCH, NOTHING, NADA!
WE HAVE A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FILLED WITH YEARS OF FAILURES
https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/2019/02/28/county-allocates-over-1-million-to-homeless-programs/
February 28, 2019 CLALLAM COUNTY ALLOCATES OVER 1 MILLION TO HOMELESS PROGRAM
"Typically the funding cycle has been yearly, but during the latest round of funding officials decided to extend the cycle to 30 months. The recommendations were made by the Homelessness Task Force"
“The semi-annual report requested is a narrative with more detail and often involved either the Homeless Management Information System limited data set or a more involved picture of who was served,” he said in an email. “This more-involved narrative was previously done at the end of the contract but we are now asking for it MORE OFTEN TO FOLLOW THE DATA BETTER since these contracts extend through June 30, 2021.” During a work session Monday, while discussing different contracts, Commissioner Bill Peach expressed concern about how the county’s contracts SAFEGUARD AGAINST AN ORGANIZATION RUNNING OUT OF MONEY AND THEN COMING BACK TO THE COUNTY TO ASK FOR MORE."
“What do we have in our contract that says to an organization that’s receiving these funds that these funds are specific to this purpose and if you decide to use your funds and you run out of money, our agreement is over,” Peach said Monday. “You don’t get to come in and say ‘I ran out of money, give me some more or I’m going to shut down.’ ”
If your organization is worthless why continue funding? If you want some of my money (taxes) prove to me you are spending wisely. How many years have we taxpayers been giving money for fancy words, but no real facts?
Sheldon, this is exactly one of the topics JAKE SEEGERS is on top of! He is prioritizing transparency AND the waste of taxpayer's money.
Math says it all
Trash Data In = Trash Data Out
Our Money in = Their Money out
Last night I couldnt sleep. I had to many unanswered questions about all the different statistics. So i wrote my conundrums down. It's far too much to share in a comment, but here is my link. The topic is addiction statistics and authority bias.
https://scli1223.substack.com/p/addiction-and-authority-bias?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=4frcvu
SC, this is a line in the link IMO that sums it up
Reducing harm is not the same as restoring health. And I think that's the biggest issue in America right now.
You make some excellent points. I hope you will share this with the BOCC. 100% agree regarding reasonable syringe service and narcan availabilty. It's a false idea Berry spins that anyone who questions local HRHC activity is against any and all harm reduction and doesn't care if addicts die.
I think we all would like better returns. Saving life is not a one way street. Each addict, at least the few I know that were able to beat their addiction, said it was hard, very hard, to give up addiction. Such commitment requires help. I recommend groups like AA or NA where people can relate, and assist. Help means having a goal of freedom from dependency.
There in lies the problem. If being high is easier than clean and sober, not too hard of a choice. Hitting bottom has to feel like hitting bottom, not being rescued. The county is a drug addict coddler. You can tell by all the energy and funds spent on people that don’t give a damn about themselves. Where do”we” draw the line? For every Chelsea how many others are there?
Isn’t everyone so sick of the wasted resources on the wasted? First hand family experience and I’m resentful. Drug addicts use and abuse their loved ones with lies and promises until family can no longer cope. Then they become a city or county problem. Once the public is tasked with “saving” the addict, everyone has given up on the family member that can’t get off drugs. This is why provided housing without sobriety is insanity. This is why Harm Reduction seems like an oxymoron. Because it is. We are part of a loop. Drug supplies, sellers, users, do gooders, money thrown at situations, public takes ownership of problem. And around we go trying all these failed solutions out of guilt? Stop the source. Dry up the drug supply and what would happen? Why are we so impotent against a group that has quit being a member of society.
I'll prognosticate on Berry's new job where she'll be not only encouraged but allowed to control the message.
Public Health & Safety Program Manager
Jamestown Family Health Clinic - Sequim, WA 98382
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/532C2A7836A5B602326FA62596988547/jobs/333829?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQVIAJjbGNrBBUf0WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHpOEMSusFYmSFKXYVVur__ZNt7O213q3FmnL2ckJiLeImNvJvVwMZJUsJpi4_aem_oCEm3aPOL-qt-Lof1t5WQg
MK, had to delve into the Public Health and Safety Program Job because my spidey senses went up, especially since it is a part time job for Berry. This funded (Tribal) position was only started in 2021 BECAUSE OF COVID, which fits like a glove for Berry. It has expanded to include priorities such as WATER QUALITY, MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS (hummm) ...putting JKT with water always makes me nervous, add in mental health (clinics?) and I see future gains and profits for JKT. This is part of what I found:
About the Public Health and Safety Program (PHSP)
The PHSP provides in-house TECHNICAL EXPERTISE in public health for IA (Indian Affairs) Formed in early 2021, the PHSP HAD A HEAVY FOCUS ON COVID-19, protecting employees and partners from virus transmission and helping facilities re-open or remain open. BEYOND COVID-19, the PHSP conducted a needs assessment shortly after forming to gauge PRIORITY PUBLIC HEALTH NEEDS FOR IA. In response, the PHSP’s FOCUS AREAS HAVE BROADENED TO INCLUDE PRIORITIES SUCH AS WATER QUALITY, mental health and wellness, and indoor air quality. These focus areas align with the three officer’s areas of expertise: Environmental Health, Public Health and Medicine, and Occupational Health. The PHSP remains flexible to respond to any public health challenges that arise for our employees and partners.
She has the choice to be in total control of something vs having to navigate OPMA and Sunshine laws. Given how she reacts to situations I can see her jumping ship and then expanding her queendom.
MK, I think that is called "selling your soul"
she has a soul?
She sold it ages ago.
Now it makes more sense. She wasn’t prepared or vetted to be a public health official. But why is she still in the position? Many people are not as intellectually gifted as “Watch Doggers” and may be unable to separate health information from following Alice down the rabbit hole. I believe the Author of Alice in Wonderland was a heavy drug user. Must have been some trip! For what that’s worth. Sorry random info.
Good morning Jeff,
Wow, wow, great article!
Kathleen deserves a better response from French. Sarah K. You are one of my peeps one nation would solve so many problems our local and state government seems to cling to as if there's no other option. Hear the voices of the many and let's get Jake elected!
Thank you all and have a great day!
Kathleen and Sarah were fantastic yesterday! They stood their ground and didn't back down!
Where's the media? A great question. PDN publishes a ton of what we used to call in the newspaper biz "wire cut," meaning stuff produced out-of-area by the New York Times, Washington State Standard, etc., to fill the white space around the advertisements. It's cheap, requires little manpower, and can be done quickly - and can also be cherrypicked to promote a particular political viewpoint. What could be done cheaply, with little manpower, and quickly instead would be to reproduce the police and sheriff's scanner reports so the community would be informed regularly about what is really happening in the area. Instead of sending a reporter to cover high school sports -- the one thing I really like about PDN, by the way -- to spend just a half-day at the "Un-Safeway" with a camera and notebook would produce quite the story. Or spend a day covering a 4PA workday. The Sequim Gazette could alternate Commissioner Ozias' propaganda column every week with one from someone like Jake Seegers or the Watchdog, to provide balance. Of course, that would require fairness and be real journalism ....
Where's the media? I think they're waiting for the BOCC to hire them a new reporter in the form of a Public Information Officer. Comrade Ozias has advocated for using our tax dollars to support print media in the past.
John Lee, Ozias, could be a media sensation as a singer!
I'm too sexy for my job
Too sexy for my job
Too sexy not to rob
And I'm too sexy for my nails
Too sexy for my nails
Too sexy for a jail
What do you think about that?
Too funny!
I'm thinking that "that's a face only a mother could love"
John Lee, he has nice hair (no offense Jeff ; ) )
Gasp!!!
His hair seems greasy...
lol
Donna Marie was my next door neighbor. our community lost an asset. Many more assets are being lost, due to policies that allow for higher and higher costs to live here, while discouraging business and generally lowering the areas economic base. Preferential treatment of tribal entities which lower the tax base and increase the burden on non-tribal property owners. Giving our public facilities, sidewalks for one, to vagrant encampments. Touting existing harm reduction policies as successful in leading addicts into sobriety and using statistics, such as lower numbers of hospital visits for wound care, does not translate to a clean, prospering community. Of course our Conty Commissioners are powerless to correct these things. They cannot fight the laws of the State, or the Cities, or the Tribes. They can only listen and respond to NGO's and Non-Profits whom they fund and rely on for reelection.
I completely agree with Donna Marie, her comment. I too, a retired LEO from CA and also I was injured in the line of duty, was medically retired and worked the rest of my career in the DA's office. I have seen the complete cycle. She is right WA is following , if not surpassed CA in the downward spiral. CA recently wised up from a proposition passed years ago, prop 47 which changed over 100 felonies to misdemeanors, BTW, which was pushed by Kamala. CA has reversed much of that after years and years of decline and the revolving door of justice. We must also keep in mind our judicial system here. Anyone else see the judge here being investigated and why has the PJ not removed him from the bench during this investigation? Why does this judge have such a backlog of DV cases? We really need to hear more from our Sheriff as well. Just a simple message sent out to the public via social media would be welcomed to so many in this county. I hear crickets. I came from a department , the Sheriff who was completely transparent and engaged with the public all the time , I find the crickets here quite alarming. I'll repeat again, it's governments first duty to keep citizens safe and arresting and releasing does not keep us safe. And yes the "harm reduction" program plays right into the individuals we are seeing on the streets. This is no coicidence. Guaranteed we will continue a downward spiral, just like CA, it will get worse.
Cas, in case anyone would like to know about your reference to " Anyone else see the judge here being investigated and why has the PJ not removed him from the bench during this investigation? Why does this judge have such a backlog of DV cases?"
There is a substack that takes one through a rather concerning series about a Clallam County Judge. This author has many articles concerning this judge who has more ties in wrong doing that what you have pointed out.
https://www.olympicherald.com/p/unethical-courts-judge-basden-appointed
Thank you, for posting the link.
Berry's photo was taken exactly where the health dept hosts narcotics camp every weekend. The fence behind her is where they tie up their tarps to duck under and smoke drugs, so the secondhand smoke sometimes wafts up to the sidewalk. The sidewalk across the street is usually crowded with aggressive panhandlers on Saturday. Parking lot camp is a great spot for narcotics use and trafficking because they are down out of view of passing drivers(including PAPD) mostly but can see when their dealer pulls up to the curb just beyond the fence
Who are these people that change to software that doesn’t access the current data base. Not knowing the entire situation, but back when people had common sense, you ran a parallel system because you always had bugs in the system.
Wow! I'm famous! lol
I need to put you on the payroll. Thanks for being so engaged in the comments section.
If you see something, say something. ;)
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
Start with the premise that we own land. We own land because we took it from someone else, who took it from someone else. Next in the sequence is how to retain what you took. How do you defend your actions, and logic, that you are a better custodian of the land than those from whom you took it?
Around and around it goes. For centuries we humans have fought over land, resources, and power. We are still at war, at least someplace.
The argument doesn’t make a lot of difference. Mostly it is a justification for your actions. Debate is all for show. If I am stronger, better equipped, and willing to fight, I can take your land. Don’t forget the money. Once in control as winner of the fight, I can do what I wish. The only reason to compromise is the combined show of strength by a unity of other communities, alliances, that threaten your actions.
I can’t quote from Sun Tzu, in the Art of War, but his lessons are still valuable.
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise by Sun Tzu, a military strategist and philosopher, written around the 5th century BCE, that offers timeless principles on warfare, strategy, and leadership, emphasizing planning, intelligence, and adaptability.
As we survivors of these wars grow and become even stronger we are supposed to learn from our mistakes, and successes. This applies to all aspects of communal living. If we forget these lessons we cease to exist. There are differences between dominance, and mutual cooperation.
I will take your land, and your resources, and oppose any efforts for you to return. We, in the United States, are fighting again. Pacifists argue against these warring actions, but rarely do the meek inherit the earth. I believe we are fighting for survival, not only for ourselves, but those we consider friends. We defend our actions as a moral battle to assist those less able and, hopefully, live in peace. I continue to believe I am a better custodian of the land.
The United States is defending its survival. We have enemies within and outside our borders. Recognizing those enemies is important. We cannot defend what we cannot see. Better to be prepared for battle than be overtaken by your enemies. When our enemies challenge our viewpoint they argue that we are delusional, imagining ghosts as enemies. Argue the point, but be prepared.
There is no evidence we acquired land from local tribes, by war, force, or treachery. Yes, other places in the U.S., I believe, as the result of unreconcilable cultural differences, it happened. The new way and different relationship to the land were not acceptable to some tribes. Every member of certain tribes may not have deserved what followed, but, I believe, their group earned it.
JKT is full of lies and has earned a correction.
We non-tribal folks now "own" the majority of the "land". The tribe is now working to get some back. We did not buy it. We did not bargain for it. We just encroached.
That's funny!!! The Tribe didn't even believe they owned the land. Its right there on their Home Page. They adopted the concept in 1874.
"The S’Klallam people living in the Dungeness area decided that in order to survive, they had to adopt a new value system that included property ownership."
You are wrong. Read the Treaty of Point No Point.
Ya Baby, ARTICLE 5.
In consideration of the above cession the United States agree to pay to the said tribes and bands the sum of sixty thousand dollars, in the following manner,
Where's the media? I'd say based on todays "paper" PDN is busy busy getting fun outdoor space activity photos from Port Townsend. Can't be taking those pics in PA, too run down and overrun, and seems to be with more folks from PT( like the Carslborg incident guy who was in PA Sat morn) , ya' know PT where they share the same health officer but shut down the encampment next to their DSHS office, PT where a certain PA council member is a public defender also openly states we should welcome and house everyone in PA
With just two reporters, they’re running whatever copy comes in the door (press releases from OMC, articles by their former editor, Leah Leach for OMC and the county) and putting their bylines on it. I could see the county hiring a PIO who would be so happy to work hand-in-glove with the PDN.
Hey, PT has 'standards.' Appearances are Everything.
Port Angeles has a public access tv station. What would it take to load recordings of Hospital, county, city, board if heath and other meetings on it? Couldn’t we also start a local news broadcast? This would be a great project for someone in a local high school or college.
Heck, at this point I would even welcome a Wayne’s world type show about local issues/performances/happenings. I’ve already seen all the slides in the current show the play on a loop.
I remember Northland Cable News with Dennis Bragg 35 years ago. We had our own TV station!